Japan Admissions

Documents for Universities in Japan

The papers Japanese universities ask international students for, at bachelor's and master's level. Each school sets its own list, so check your course guide too. Money is in Japanese yen (JPY).

School and University Papers

Language and Tests

Identity and Fees

Recent Updates

Example: transcript uploaded

Example: application fee (screening fee) waiting for payment

Example: English test score still missing

Main Kinds of Papers

What each group of papers is for.

Study records

Certificates and transcripts that show you can join the course.

Test scores

English scores, and for some courses the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) or a Japanese test.

Plans and essays

A research plan for graduate school, or essays for a bachelor's.

Identity and fees

Passport, photo and proof of the application fee (screening fee).

Study Records

Japanese universities check that your schooling meets their entry rules.

School leaving proof (bachelor's)

Proof that you finished, or will finish, the 12th year of school.
Your school transcript and its grading scale.

Degree proof (master's)

Your bachelor's degree certificate, or a letter saying when you will graduate.
Your university transcript.

Test scores

At Waseda's School of International Liberal Studies (SILS), the test company must send your TOEFL iBT or IELTS score straight to the university.
Scores must arrive by the application deadline.

12 or 16 years

A bachelor's needs 12 years of school. For a master's, some schools ask for 16 years of education. A 3-year bachelor's degree may not be enough. Ask your graduate school.

Plans, Essays and Letters

Graduate schools want to see what you will research. Bachelor's programmes often ask for essays.

Research plan (graduate school)

Most graduate schools ask for one.
Include the purpose, background, why it matters, your method and the books or papers you used.
Format and length differ by school.

Essay (bachelor's)

Waseda SILS sets its own essay questions each year.

Tips for Standout Supporting Documents

Essays

Read the essay questions as soon as they come out. Waseda SILS releases them on set dates.

Recommendations

Some graduate schools want you to find a professor (academic advisor) and get their informal OK before you apply.

Money and Fees

You pay an application fee (screening fee) to apply. Later, for the visa, your university asks who will pay your costs.

Application fee (screening fee)

Waseda SILS (September 2027 entry): JPY 10,000 if you live outside Japan.
Kyoto University's international programme (Kyoto iUP) and others set their own fee.

Proof of money (after admission)